Psychophysical endpoints.

Abstract

While developing neuroprotective agents for managing glaucoma, researchers must be able to demonstrate treatment efficacy by relying on outcome measures other than intraocular pressure (IOP) and endpoints other than lowering of IOP. Attempts to improve the ability to monitor progressive glaucomatous loss have concentrated on new visual field analysis procedures; new, more sensitive test procedures; and the development of methods to reduce variability. Although none of these approaches has achieved a completely satisfactory solution, this article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of currently available techniques in visual field analysis, new perimetric tests, and current methods of reducing variability.